Do Corgis Make Good Pets for First-Time Owners? Facts & Considerations

Corgis are experiencing an upswing in popularity. These cute, stubby-legged dogs have nearly irresistible appeal, and it’s not surprising that many prospective owners are charmed by them. But picking the right dog should be based on a lot more than looks. Every dog’s temperament is different, but breed plays a big role in determining how challenging a dog will be. And if you’ve never owned a dog before, some will be easier than others. Where do Corgis fall on the scale?

Overall, Corgis are sometimes a good choice for first-time owners, but not all owners match their needs. They are outgoing, social, and friendly, but they also can be a handful! Read on to find out if you’re ready for the commitment of owning a Corgi.

Why Are Corgis Popular?

Corgis have experienced a popularity boom in recent years. There are lots of reasons why, but the biggest reasons are their cute appearance and social personality. Corgis are one of the cutest medium-sized dog breeds. Their tiny legs make them look a little silly and super adorable, even when they’re fully grown. They have friendly, expressive faces. And their soft coats are certainly a plus—especially since their fur doesn’t need cutting or styling.

Corgis are also social, outgoing dogs. There’s a good chance that if you meet a Corgi in the park, it’ll be friendly and excited to meet you. This social temperament makes the breed its own ambassador. But that doesn’t make it a perfect fit for every family.

Pros of Corgis for New Owners

There’s not one answer to whether a Corgi is perfect for you, but there are some consistent pros and cons. If you haven’t owned a dog before, some of a Corgi’s traits make it easier for a new owner than other breeds. Here are a few pros:

1. Their Size

Corgis are medium-sized dogs, topping at around 30 pounds. Most first-time owners will be happiest with a small or medium dog. Although dogs of any size can be dangerous, it’s a lot easier to control a smaller puppy or dog during the training process. Smaller dogs also are often less expensive since they don’t need as much food.

2. Their Coat

Grooming is relatively easy for a Corgi. You might brush through its fur once or twice a week to control shedding, but it will usually only need bathing when it gets muddy. Corgis also don’t need regular trims. That saves on expense and care time by a lot!

3. They’re Outgoing and Friendly

Corgis love people and they love other dogs too. A well-socialized Corgi isn’t prone to getting into fights. They also generally are happier around strangers than many breeds—you won’t see your Corgi being scared or aggressive when they meet a new friend.

4. They’re Usually Good With Children

Families with children can also enjoy Corgis. These dogs need some socializing to be safe around kids, like all dogs. And like all dogs, they shouldn’t play with children unsupervised until the child is old enough to treat it well and you trust both dog and kid. But Corgis love to play, and their high energy can be a great match for a child. Their shorter height also can make playtime easier for little kids.

5. They’re Pretty Common

Although ease of adopting isn’t the biggest consideration when buying a pet, it shouldn’t be neglected either. Corgis are pretty common dogs, and that makes it a lot easier for a first-time owner. More common dog breeds make it easier for you to meet before you buy and have multiple options instead of settling for the first one available.

Cons of Corgis for New Owners

Those pros sound pretty good—but what about the cons? Corgis aren’t always recommended for first-time owners, and there are good reasons why. Here are some things to consider before you commit.

1. Corgis Are Stubborn

Corgis are known for their stubborn streak. They have strong opinions and they aren’t afraid to share. This makes training a Corgi a little more difficult, and breaking bad habits can be tough too. You’ll have to work to build a good relationship with your Corgi—otherwise it will probably walk all over you.

2. They Have High Training Needs

Corgis have a herding background, and that means that their instincts need some channeling. Corgis need to be trained and socialized—otherwise they can be overprotective or dominate children and other pets. If you’re a brand new owner, you should be ready to spend some time and money with a professional training your new dog if necessary.

3. Sometimes They’re Nippy or Mouthy

One of the biggest problem behaviors in Corgis is their tendency to be mouthy or nippy when excited. This is another trait common among herding dogs. Especially if you have other pets or small children, you should watch for signs that your Corgi is playing “mouth first.” Not all Corgis are nippy, but if yours is, you’ll want to train them away from that behavior quickly.

4. Their Bark

Corgis aren’t the worst dogs for barking, but they’re not silent either. These dogs are often very vocal, even when they’re happy. They also have a surprisingly loud and deep bark for their size. If barking dogs bother you, another breed might be better.

5. Lots of Time and Energy Needed

These dogs aren’t couch potatoes! Corgis need walking or playtime every day, and they also require a lot of social time too. They don’t love being home alone for long stretches at a time either. If your schedule is already a little tight, you probably don’t have the time this breed needs.

Last Thoughts

As you can see, Corgis might be a great choice for some new owners, but not all. Their friendly nature and love of play make them a great choice for many, but you have to balance that against their higher training needs and the time needed to care for them. If you’ve looked down the list of needs and don’t feel too intimidated, this breed is a great choice. But if you’re expecting a perfect, easy dog, you might be going in with the wrong expectations.

Featured Image Credit: Ozsvathcsilla, Pixabay